Lu wins record fourth Mercuries Taiwan Masters

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TAIPEI -- Chinese Taipei star Lu Wen-teh enjoyed a memorable home triumph when he lifted a record fourth Mercuries Taiwan Masters title on Sunday.

The 45-year-old champion blasted a final round of 1-under 71 on the way to a winning total of 11-under 277 at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club.

He continued his impressive track record on his home course this week having previously won the event back in 1994 and 1996 before his third success last year.

As a result of his success, Lu walked away with the top prize of $100,000 and rises to 14th place on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit after total earnings of $194,429.

"The win has made me feel young again. It's a great feeling," said Lu.

Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant was at even par for the day to finish in second place two strokes behind the winner while Lin Wen-hong of Chinese Taipei posted a 70 for a 282 total to claim the lone third spot.

With a one-stroke lead heading into the final round, overnight leader Lu cruised to a five-stroke advantage over Thaworn after 11 holes. But three straight bogeys by Lu coupled with a birdie by the Thai on the 13th hole closed the gap to a mere one stroke. Thaworn then dropped a shot on the 17th and two putted for par on the final hole before a 3-foot par putt by Lu sealed a record win.

"I played well on the front nine with birdies on the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth holes. But I made a few mistakes, which resulted in three straight bogeys on the back nine. I was being too aggressive and trying to push myself even more.

"I told myself to relax and I did just that. When Thaworn bogeyed the 17th hole, I knew I was almost there. Thaworn played well and his iron game and putting was really good today, but I kept it steady on the final hole for the win. It's a great result, and it shows that there is still a lot left in me," admitted Lu, who has been playing at the Tamsui course for more than 30 years.

Former Asian Tour No. 1 Thaworn kept his hopes alive until the final putt firing five birdies against one bogey and two double bogeys.

"I did not have a good start, but I remained steady on the back nine. Lu dropped three shots in a row, and I knew that I had a chance. Even after my bogey on the 17th, I was telling myself that I could still do it since Lu struck a wayward drive on the 18th.

"But I'm very pleased with my performance this week despite finishing runner-up. There will always be another day," said Thaworn, who won his 10th Asian Tour title at the Bangkok Airways Open in June.

Second-round leader Lin, who set a new course record after a 63 on Friday, ended his campaign with a 70 in third place with a similar score by compatriot Hsu Mong-nan who claimed fourth.

"I had my share of highlights this week. I am satisfied to finish strongly on this course, and I hope to continue my form in future tournaments," said Lin.